Former Japanese Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga, 77, has decided not to run in the upcoming Lower House election due to health reasons. Multiple sources indicate the Liberal Democratic Party veteran may be retiring from politics. Suga is expected to explain his decision to supporters as early as Saturday.
On January 16, 2026, multiple Japanese media outlets reported that former Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga has decided not to contest the upcoming Lower House election. The 77-year-old Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) lawmaker from Kanagawa's No. 2 district cited his physical condition as the reason.
Suga told the Sankei Shimbun that he was considering not running in another election due to health issues. According to Jiji Press, sources close to Suga confirmed he does not plan to stand in the next general election, which could occur as early as next month. Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi is preparing to dissolve parliament and call a snap election to seek public endorsement for her policies.
First elected to the Lower House in 1996, Suga served as chief cabinet secretary under Prime Minister Shinzo Abe for more than seven years. He held the premiership from September 2020 to October 2021. His departure leaves the LDP without one of its most seasoned members, and the party's Kanagawa chapter will select a successor candidate.
Suga's decision, to be explained to supporters as early as Saturday, may impact the LDP's strategy ahead of the polls.
